Skills and Drills
Resources for planning effective practices.
Coaching Manuals
AYSO provides age-specific coaching manuals with practice activities appropriate for each division. You’ll receive your manual during coach training.
Practice Structure
A typical practice includes:
-
Warm-up (10-15 minutes)
- Light movement
- Ball touches
- Stretching
-
Skill Focus (20-30 minutes)
- Age-appropriate activities from your manual
- Small-group work
- Individual skill development
-
Games (20-30 minutes)
- Small-sided games
- Scrimmages
- Fun competitions
-
Cool-down (5 minutes)
- Water break
- Team circle
- Preview of next practice/game
Age-Appropriate Focus
6U-8U
- Basic ball control
- Running with the ball
- Kicking toward the goal
- Having fun
10U
- Passing and receiving
- Positioning
- Beginning tactical awareness
12U-14U
- Position-specific skills
- Team tactics
- Advanced techniques
Online Resources
AYSOU provides video tutorials and additional practice plans.
Professional Training Programs
The region occasionally offers skills training led by professional coaches, such as Launch Sports. These are separate programs with their own registration and fees.
Related Pages
- Practice Resources — Field assignments and logistics
- PIE Philosophy — Positive coaching approach
- Coach Training — Certification requirements
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